"Police found a large number of dead native wildlife in the rear of the vehicle," he said.

"It's of some concern that some of our native animals may have suffered a painful death."

Four men have been charged in connection with the killing of native wildlife after the incident, which occurred early Sunday morning on Lake Terrace East.

The men, two aged 31 and a 32-year-old were from Mount Gambier and a 23-year old man from Victoria were charged with possession of dangerous articles and unlawful possession of the native wildlife.

All four men were granted bail and will appear in the Mount Gambier Magistrates Court on 1 April.

Under the National Parks and Wildlife Act (1972) the illegal possession of a carcass of a native animal which has been illegally taken or acquired carries a maximum penalty of a fine of $2500 or six months imprisonment.